Bangladesh tourism, hotels and hospitality

Up until the last few years, the hospitality industry in Bangladesh had been dominated by small hotels that offered limited services. Today, however, new ideas and concepts are coming to light thanks to a growing middle class with more disposable income. The hospitality sector in Bangladesh is also witnessing a steady increase in visitors as well as local tourists looking for new experiences. With over 17 million tourists visiting Bangladesh every year and hotel occupancy rates exceeding 80% from September to March every year, it’s not surprising that the hospitality sector has witnessed dynamic growth in recent years. This article takes a look at the state of tourism in Bangladesh, its potential benefits and challenges, as well as opportunities for the hospitality industry there.

Tourism in Bangladesh: current state and potential

Bangladesh is a beautiful country that is home to some of the most spectacular natural attractions in the world. These include beaches, islands, river valleys, forests and mountains that are home to some of the rarest flora and fauna in the world. This is one of the main reasons why the country is highly popular with tourists. The country also offers many historic sites that date back thousands of years, such as the Buddhist temples in the northwestern district of Paharpur, the Hindu temples in the southeastern district of Bagerhat, the archaeological sites in Comilla, and the ruins of the ancient port city of Mahasthangarh in the central district of Mymensingh. Additionally, Bangladesh is also home to many diverse cultures, which makes it a great destination for people who are interested in learning about different traditions and customs. Alongside its rich cultural heritage, the country also offers some of the world’s most delicious culinary delights. The country also boasts a long and rich history, as well as many architectural gems that are a testament to its heritage. These include the UNESCO-recognized Sixty Dome Mosque in the southeastern district of Bagerhat, the Temple of Mahakal in the southwestern district of Khulna, the ruins of the ancient Buddhist monastery at Paharpur and the Ahsan Manjil, a monument built to honor the war heroes who fought and died during the Liberation War of 1971.

Tourism benefits for the economy

Tourism is one of the biggest foreign exchange earners for Bangladesh and plays a major role in the country’s economy. The tourism industry accounts for about 5% of the country’s GDP and is responsible for about 11% of total employment. There are also other economic benefits to hosting a large number of tourists, including an increase in demand for goods and services, which leads to job creation, more money flowing into the government through taxes, and the transfer of technology and skills from tourists to locals. Tourists also provide a source of foreign exchange, which is important for a country like Bangladesh, which is currently dependent on foreign aid and remittances to fund its economy. It is estimated that over $30 billion is provided in foreign exchange through tourism every year, which is crucial for the country as exports account for only $15 billion, while imports amounted to $60 billion.

The challenges facing tourism in Bangladesh

Although tourism has been one of Bangladesh’s fastest-growing industries in recent years, it is still not as robust as it could be. The country has the potential to draw many more tourists than it currently does, but it has a few challenges to overcome first. The biggest challenge facing the tourism industry in Bangladesh is the poor image that the country currently has. The government and media in developed countries have often painted a very negative picture of the country, which has led many tourists to believe that it is not safe to travel there. Because of this, many tourists who would otherwise be interested in visiting Bangladesh have decided to go to other countries instead. The other major challenge that the tourism industry in Bangladesh is facing is the lack of infrastructure in the country. Although the government is working towards addressing this issue, it will take some time before it is solved. This is something that the government needs to work on as soon as possible because the lack of good infrastructure makes it harder for the country to attract tourists.

Opportunities for the hospitality industry in Bangladesh

The tourism sector in Bangladesh is expected to see even more growth in the coming years, which will create more opportunities in the hospitality industry in the country. The tourism industry currently employs about 5% of Bangladesh’s population, but given the growing interest in traveling to the country, this figure is expected to grow as well. The hospitality sector in the country is also expected to grow due to the increasing number of tourists, as well as an increasing number of local tourists looking for new travel experiences. With more than 17 million visitors expected to come to Bangladesh every year, hotels in the country are expected to see a growth in both the number of guests and the average length of stay. The tourism industry in Bangladesh is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.46% between 2019 and 2025. This means that the hospitality sector will also see a rise in demand as more tourists come to the country.

Conclusion

The tourism industry in Bangladesh is expected to grow steadily in the years to come, due to several factors. The country has an excellent geographical location that makes it ideal for hosting tourists from all over the world, as it lies between major Asian, European and African countries. Additionally, the government has taken many steps to make the country more tourist-friendly, such as by introducing a friendly visa policy, improving the tourism infrastructure, and promoting the country as a safe destination. This has led to an increase in tourist numbers and a longer average length of stay for visitors to the country. All of these factors indicate that the tourism industry in Bangladesh is likely to grow steadily in the years to come, providing benefits both to the country’s economy and its hospitality industry.